Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss
Official title: Targeting Perp in PDAC tumor and cancer cachexia
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11056857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $131,072 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA283277-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those exhibiting cachexia and mutations in the p53 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have cachexia or p53 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Perp in pancreatic cancer and the associated condition known as cachexia, which leads to severe muscle and fat loss in patients. By using animal models, the researchers aim to understand how inhibiting Perp can reduce tumor growth and improve the overall health of patients suffering from this aggressive cancer. The study focuses on patients with mutations in the p53 gene, which is linked to more severe disease outcomes. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance patient survival and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer and cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting specific proteins in cancer treatment is a common approach, the specific targeting of Perp in the context of pancreatic cancer and cachexia is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Aneesha — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Aneesha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
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Blocking Perp to slow pancreatic cancer and cancer-related muscle wasting
This project will test whether lowering a protein called Perp can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people with pancreatic cancer who are losing weight and muscle.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
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Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.